PM to address Labour congress closing event amid growing election speculation
Labour Party congress to start in Gozo, focus on manifesto and future direction ahead of next election
Prime Minister Robert Abela is set to address the closing event of the Labour Party congress at Ta’ Qali on Friday April 17, the party announced on Thursday.
Details of the congress were outlined during a press conference at Ta’ Qali addressed by party president Alex Sciberras and deputy leader Alex Agius Saliba.
The congress will begin on Sunday with an event in Gozo featuring a discussion with the Prime Minister at Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel and will conclude on April 17 in Ta'Qali with a closing address by Abela.
Agius Saliba said the congress would bring together people from across the party, including delegates, card-carrying members, but also as social partners, NGOs, to contribute towards the party’s manifesto.
He noted that party rules require a congress to be held within a year before a general election.
“It is a statutory obligation that within the period of a year before the general election, and the maximum period for a general election would be 11 months away, the Labour Party will be putting on this congress.”
On Wednesday, Times of Malta reported the Labour Congress was announced via a banner across the party's Facebook page.
The theme of the congress is Malta Aqwa, meaning “A Stronger Malta”, a phrase Robert Abela has often used in his recent speeches. The congress is also running with the slogan Ikteb il-kapitlu li jmiss, meaning “write the next chapter”.
Sciberras said the congress would focus not only on drafting the manifesto but also on shaping a stronger future for the country.
“We are inviting you, the delegates, you the members, you, the general public, let's work together as a people, as a movement to write the next chapter of our country.”
He explained that the decision to open the congress in Gozo reflects the importance of the island’s voice.
“This island has its own voice and one that needs to be listened to.”
Events throughout the week will involve different stakeholders. On Monday and Tuesday, party delegates and councillors will meet in an assembly to discuss issues raised by the public.
Sciberras said the party had already been engaging with the public through initiatives such as youth-focused activities and forums, allowing people to pitch ideas to ministers and the Prime Minister.
On Wednesday, the congress will open its doors to social partners, while Thursday will feature workshops with civil society.
The congress will conclude on Friday evening with an address by the Prime Minister.
“And there, members of the party will be asked to take a vote, a vote to decide the principles the Labour Party will be building its politics on for the near future,” Scibberas said.
It is not yet known when the next general election will be called. However, if Abela were to announce the election on April 17, the earliest possible election date would be Saturday, May 23.
Under Maltese law, the Prime Minister can call a general election at any time, but at least 33 days must pass between the dissolution of Parliament and polling day.